Former Jiangsu Suning striker Jo voted best player in Brazil

Head coach Fabio Carille (L) of Corinthians reacts with Joao Alves de Assis Silva after the match between Corinthians and Fluminense at Arena Corinthians Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov 15, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Former Manchester City and Jiangsu Suning striker Jo won the Bola de Ouro on Monday, awarded to the best player in Brazil's Serie A championship.

Jo, whose full name is Joao Alves de Assis Silva, enjoyed a prolific season with 18 goals in 34 matches as Corinthians secured their seventh league title.

"I want to thank my wife, my dad... I started when I was 16 and I've gone through some tough times," Jo said during a ceremony in Sao Paulo.

The accolade capped a stunning turnaround for the 30-year-old, who lost his place in the Brazil squad after the 2014 World Cup as he struggled with poor form and personal problems.

The 30-year-old attributed his resurgence to a decision to quit drinking in late 2014.

"Things have improved. I want to thank my teammates and the club for believing in the changes that I've made," said Jo, who finished equal top of the Serie A scoring charts in 2017 alongside Fluminense's Henrique Dourado.

"I had some troubling times off the pitch but I got my life back on track and now I'm reaping the benefits," he added.

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